noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
two steps forward, one step back; alternating progress and regression
Describes a situation where progress and setbacks repeat, so that overall advancement is slow or uncertain. Often used for negotiations, recovery from illness, or project status.
交渉は二進一退の状態が続いている。
The negotiations have been going back and forth without clear progress.
病状は二
His condition alternates between improvement and deterioration, and we cannot be optimistic yet.